Origin:

Native of Australia.

Habit:

Fern with creeping underground stems and erect fronds 2-3 m tall.

Habitat:

A native plant commonly found at relatively low density in dry eucalypt forest. Clearing tends to increase its density. It is a troublesome weed of pastures because it is poisonous to stock and difficult to control because it re-establishes very easily. Also a problem in sandy coastal areas.

General description:

Stems and leaves

Plant develop a branched mass of creeping underground stems (rhizomes). The fronds grow upright with thick, strong stalks over 1m long. Fronds are dark green, stiff and leathery, hairless on the upper surface (except for reddish hairs on the margins), the undersurface has close-lying fine white parallel hairs. Blades of fronds are deeply divided with a small lobe at the base of leaflet segments where the main stalk connects

Flowers and fruit

Reproductive structures are the sori formed on the underside of the fronds, they are fairly inconspicuous

Distinguishing features:

A robust leathery fern with erect fronds usually up to 2 m (sometimes 9 m) tall and creeping underground stems. This is a very widespread species. Two distinguishing characteristics to note are the fine white hairs on the undersurface of the fronds and the small lobes at the junction of the leaflets and the main stalk of the fronds.

Noxious status:

Not noxious.

Sources:

Kleinschmidt, H.E., Holland, A. and Simpson, P. (1996). Suburban Weeds. 3rd Edition. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Jones, D.L. and Clemesha, S.C. (1989). Australian Ferns and Fern Allies. 3rd Edition. Reed Books, Sydney.

Auld, B.A. and Medd, R.W. (1996). Weeds: An Illustrated Botanical Guide to Weeds of Australia. Inkata Press, Sydney.